OPENING OF THE MELBOUENE EXHIBITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3897, 13 October 1880, Page 3

OPENING OF THE MELBOUENE EXHIBITION.

The Otago Daily Times correspondent gives the following account of the opening of the Melbourne Exhibition on Oct. 1 : —

When some two years ago Victoria conceived the idea of inviting the nations to a " world's fair," to be held in Melbourne in 1880, the project was greeted with considerable ridicule and some ill-natured comment. It wa9 presumptuous, it was argued, for so young a Colony, and especially for one which imposed bucli restrictions upon free commercial intercourse with other nations, to invite competitors, whom she would not meet on equal terms, to show the products of their genius and industry in a distant and almost unknown land. The promoters of the undertaking, however, overbore all these objections, and it must be admitted that whatever credit attaches to the successful realisation of the original idea ruiut be credited to the Liberal or Democratic party of the Colony. It was never imagined that the Exhibition would have proved the costly luxury it has. The whole expense, it wa9 estimated, would not exceed £100,000, and this amount Parliament was prepared to spend for what it bolieved would prove, at any rate, a huge advertisement for tho Colony, to say nothing of the pleasure and instruction to be derived from it. Now, however, it; 13 found that four times that amount will not cover the total cost of the Exhibition, and many people urge that we have entered upon an undertaking too great for our means. The Exhibition has always been popular •with tho masses in the metropolis and some of tho large towns, but the country districts generally have not ceased to growl sullenly at tho enormous expenditure upon a costly toy, which has st'll further postponed the recognition of the legitimate claims of the provinces. However, tho undoubted eclat with which the Exhibition haß been opened has temporarily silenced the discontented ones, and we are now rejoicing at having taken rank amongEt the industrial nations of the world., and laying the flattering unction to our souls that a great future awaits the enterprising little Colony which sprang into separato existence only 30 years ago. It will bo unnecessary to describe tho immense structure which, with all its varied treasures, was tbrown open to public inspection with much pomp and ceremony on Oct. 1. Your readers have already been familiarised with its general appearance and internal arrangements. It will suffice to say that the Exhibition site embraces some 30 acres, and the buildings are larger than the first Great Exhibition, held in London in 1851, The floors cover about 15 acres of ground, and the total space enclosed amounts to 20 acres. Tho site — Carlton Gardens — is amostcommanding one, and from tho dome, which rises to a height of 220 feet above the ground, a magnificent view can be obtained, not only of Melbourne and the suburbs, but of the plains and hills for many miles round. Tho first glance at the main building occasions a feeling of disappointment. The great length of the facade gives the structure a squat appearance. This defect can ultimately be remedied, but motives of economy forbade it 3 being attempted at present. The skill of the landscapo gardener has done much to improve the surroundings of the building. Those who remember the miserable appearance the Oarlton Gardens have for years presented, will bo greatly struck by the wonderful transformation effected since the Exhibition Commissioners took them in hand. However, it is unnecessary to dilate upon what is, at best, but an adjunct to the Exhibition, so I will at once cornmenco some description of TIIK OPENING CEHEJIONT. Wo were not favoured with what is termed " Queen's weather." Indeed, the morning broke cold and threatening, but tho rain held off. At an early hour the populous suburbs commenced to discharge their thousands of spectators into the city proper. The throng was immense. In Collins street nlono more than 20,000 people collected to witness the procession, and all along the linn of route tho crowd was dense. Between 50,000 and 60,000 persons must have turned out to assist at tho demonstration, but no disorder or accident occurred, and even the pickpockets scarcely mado their expenses. Whilo,the crowds wero caper to boo everything that v:33 passing, it was very apparent thp.t there was ii strrmge luck of eulhusiasm. Very little manifeilation of delight was exhibited even at tho moet striking feature* Pf tllC

pageant, and though the Marquis of Nor* manby is by no means unpopular, neither he nor his distinguished party received many cheers on their way to the Exhibition; This was not attributable to any want of appreciative interest, but to tho' fact that large Colonial assemblages as- a rule take their' pleasure, not sadly, but without such boisterous merriment.. Of course the- day wa3 observed as a public holiday, and all places of business were closed. The shipping, in the bay was gay with, bunting, and some-attempt) was made to give colour to the streets by unfurling Hags from the buildings.. The procession was a realLj pretty sight, and was on the whole excellently managed. r Jhe crowds, although quite orderly, trespassed too much upon the roads, and thus to eomo • extent marred the symmetrical appearance of the line of march,, but otherwise all the arrangements were excellent.. Perhaps- the- finest' spectacle of the day was the march of the " blue- jackets" through the city.. Contingents of sailors andi marines from H.M.S. Wolverine, Cormorant, and 1 Emerald, . and' of sailors from the French, German, and Italian warships Finietorre,. Nautilus, and Europa were landed soon after 8-o'clock, and at 9.30 they marched through the city on their way to the Exhibition. Their varied uniforms, martial bearing,, and splendid discipline gave them a very picturesque- appear* ance, as,. 800 strong, they marched alang to the stirring music of their bands. They were soon followed by the Volunteer forces f over 2000 strong, who, accompanied' by the Victorian .Artillery, a splendidly drilled body^ of •' men, attracted general admiration as they marched through the crowded, streets. At place 3 the crowd was bo- dense that thesoldiers found a difficulty in proceeding, and had several times to halt. Intheir-rear<carne-the procession proper. Ifc consisted of- theAssociated Trades, 3200- strong, the Fire Brigades, and the vice-regal; party, which was escorted by troops- of the- Victorian Light Horse. The brilliant banners -of the Trades were much admired. As the procession neared Burke and Wills' "monument, in Collins street, the Trades broke out of rank. and formed line, through: which the vice-regal party drove. It comprised, in addition to his Excellency Loud NormaDby and LadyvNormanby, many distinguished guests, including the I>uie of Manchester, his Kxcelloncy Lord A. Loftus and Lady Loftus, Sir W. Jervois and his daughters, Sir F. Smith, the Acting-.-Governor of Tasmania,, and his daughters, Sir W. Robinßon, lihe Governor of Western ; Ausfcra'ii, and Lady Robinson, Commodore Wilson, and Mies M'lntyre. The cheering of the crowd and the waving of the bannersfrightened the spirited horses-attached to the carriage containing Lord. Hervey t-hippsand Captain Le Patourel, and a runaway seemed, imminent, but the steepness of the hill and the skill of the coachman averted any ill consequences* TILE SCENS WITHIN. The opening Geremony was confined to the central part of the main building. Under the dome an elevated dais for tho Governor and his distinguished guests had been erected. This was elegantly draped with rich cloths, while beautiful flowers and ferns were placed bo as to enhance the general effect. An Axminster carpet covered tho floor, and suites of furniture in walnut and satin wood, covered with dark ciiimcon, in the early English and Chippendale styles, w«ro placed on the dais for the convenienceof the company. Above floated the Royal Standard and the British Ensign. The decorations- in the nave were scarcely so complete as could have been wished, but some of the courts — notably that of the United States — displayed a profusion of flags. His Excellency, was due at the Exhibition at 11 olclockj but long before that hour somo six. or seven thousand ladies and gentl- men, a large majority of whom were invited guests, assembled, and were pretty cloeely packed in the nave and transect. The best seats in the galleries above tho-east and west nave were reserved for the Commissioners and their friends, while behind them the paying public found accommodation. All guests and officials had to appear in levee dress, so that the general effect) was somewhat sombre, but this was broken to-some extent by the few politicians who donned their Windsor uniforms or wore thecrimeon and blue collar of the Order of St Michael and St George. The Mayor and Aldermen of the metropolis appeared in all the glory of official costume, the i Bishops of the Anglican Church woro their sacred robes, while hero and there the scai-let uniforms of somo Volunteer officers helped to light up the scene. At tho extreme end of the western nave the choir and band were assembled, immediately in front of the huge organ, the instrumentalists forming a halfcircle in front o£ the conductor's chair,, while tho choristers — nearly 1000 strong — were grouped so as to form a geometrical figure. The riistinguishing badge of the contraltos was- crimson, while the sopranos wore pale blue sashes over their white dresses. All the lady vocalists- wore white muslin capes, and their coßtumcs were considered extremely effective. The gentlemen singers were simply distinguished by crimson and blue rosettes. The handsomo front of the organ was brillianb with gold and bronze, which mingled harmoniously with the more eoaibre shades of blue, pink and sober black. This aspect of the building was extremely pretty and effective.

A few minutes before 11 the bands outside announced the approach of the vice-regal party by playing the National Anthem, and the whole audience rose to receive His Excellency. The flon W. J. Clarke, M.L.C., the popular President of the Exhibition Commissioners, and Vice-Presidents repaired to the entrance, and a few minutes later the Marquis of Normanby and his distinguished guests were seated on the dais, which was immediately under the dome. The party consisted of the Governor of Victoria and Lady Normanby, the Governor of New South Wales and Lady Augustus Loftus, the Governor of South Australia, Lady Jervois, and the two Misses Jervois, the Governor of Western Australia and Lady Kobiuson, the Acting Governor of Tasmania, Lady Smith, and the three Mieses Smith, Miss MTntyro, the Duke of Manchester, the Chief Justice (Sir W. P. Stawell), Commodore Wilson, of H. M. S. corvette Wolverine; Captain Maxwell, of H.M.S. corvette Emerald ; Commander Bruce, of H.M.S. sloop Cormorant ; Captain Angey Dufresae, of the French man-of-war FinJsterre ; Captain Chunden, of H.I. M.S. gunboat Nautilus ; Cavalier CeEaro Eomano, of the Italian war eteamor, Europa ; Lord Harvey Phipps, A.D.C., and Captain Le Patourel, Private Secretary to the Governor of Victoria ; Mr Augustus Loftus, A.D.C., and Mr Bloxsome, Private Secretary to the Governor of New South Wales ; Mr Jervois, A.D.C. to the Governor of South Australia ; Mr Howard ; Mr Wilson, Secretary to Commodore Wilson ; and Mr Colin Keppel, midshipman in attendance on the Commodore.

Immediately tho vice-regal party were seated Madame Simonsen sang the first stanza of "God Save the Queen,." tho choristers taking up tho theme, and at the conclusion of tho anthem, at the invitation of Mr Clarke, hearty cheers were given for tho Koyal Family and His Excellency. I'hen followed

TUB CANTATA. Monsieur Caron, whose work secured the prize against all competitors, had obtained a musical force worthy of the occasion. His chorus comprised upwards of 800 trained singers ; his soloists were Madame Simonsen (soprano), Armes Beaumont (tenor), Mrs Cutter (contralto), G. Verdi (bass) ; while the band numbered 100 instruments, including the grand organ. It was noticeable as the work proceeded that the instrumentalists were weak in comparison witli the immense volume of tone produced by the admirably trained voiceß of the immense chorus. It would bo out of place to attempt anything like an analytical notice of the musical composition, but it may be mentioned that eminent foreign artists now in Melbourne (who can afford to express an unpredjudiced opinion) pronounce M. Caron's work as of high merit and promise. It has many melodious passages, and some most inspiriting airs. For instance, the tenor solo, "0, Summer land," which waß splendidly rendered by Beaumont, and which gradually combined the voices of the solo quartette, quite electrified the audience, aud kindled the first touch of genuine onthusiasni manifested. The bass eolo, "Now on tho grassy plain?," wus given with inspiriting effect by Verdi, while both Madame Simonsen and Mrs Cutter acquitted thomsclves with their customary artistic skill. The chorus was admirably drilled, and tha band excollcnt, so that nothing was wanting to give alloient interpretation to the composer's work. The whole performance, whiyh lasted 50 minutes, was masterly in execution, nnd affordod unqualified satisfaction. Mr L. L. Lewis, a musical amateur, presided at tho organ, and oven his encrc^s awarded him praise for his excellent tfj&nagerjient of the huga instrument, he coi,ArO»!'. d, Jhp p Pm ff ]jj e l» the c" jf il u t a

iillustrnted was comppeed by Mr J; W. Mcuden, a draper in Colling.* ood; While .not a work of very high order,' it yet exhibits decided poetical feeling, and the fact that it is a colonial production would alone, secure it considerate treatment in a community of Protectionists. You will scarcely hare room to repeat it in full, but tho following will sufllce to give an idea of its suitability for the occasion :•: —

CHORUS OP. THE NATIONS.. From distant shoreß we come to greot; With loud acclaim, our sister sweet, And hsil her, as with queenly grace Amidst our band she takes her t>kco>- " Quoen of tho. (Southern feie "

VICTOBIA'-8 80NG • OF, WELCOME. . O golden day of glory ! O chrysolite of tinw ! Now fly all shadows hoary.before a dawn sublime Now clad jn goldta suulighfa bride adoru'd I' stand, 1 . ■ My dowry, England's birthright, , her banter inJ my hand.)

O weloonier sisters gracious, and friends from every land ! : IMyhcart warms at your coming to this bright ana : sunny strand, My banquet hall is furnished; my table- richly * BpF6(lu t

Wave, wave your silken banners ! : yonr silver trnmpcbs blow ! ; ; sin^' n | your loud hosannas ! : that all the world 1 '™free y " b ° rn a Nntiou i /nett t h Etoßland's Connor. |Thll Se!» ke R consto - lation » fl:limGa o'<!rtl«> Southern

At the conclusion of the cintata the applause was quite enthusiastic^ and it was renewed when Sir Samuel Wilson, one of the Vico-Prcsidents, presented M. Caron and Mr Meaden to the Governor, who courteous congratulated thenu "

THE OPENING OF!THE:EXniBITIOK> The final scene of the ceremony was -then proceeded with, but the vast' majority of the audience-could hear little or nothing of the address of the Commissioners,- or His Ex* cellency's reply. The President (the Hon W..J, Clarke), accompanied by Sir Bryan OLoghlen, Bart., Sir' George Verdon, KC.M.G., 0.8,.5ir Samuel Wileon, Mr Casey, 0.M.G., and Mr Munro, . Vice-presi-dents of the Commission; Mr Yale the Treasurer;, and Mr Icvey, C.M.Q- ' the Secretary— advanced to- the- dais- and presen^d an, address- explanatory of> the circumstances under which the Exhibition originated, to which the Marquis of Normanby. replied in appropriate termsof congratulation-. I' will not' trouble your reader* with more than a single- extract. His Excellency remarked : —" To many unacquainted with the rapid .growth of Victoria and the indomitable energy of its people, the idea of- inviting.the nations of the earth to a competitive display of arts, science, minirg, manufactures, and pastoral and agricultural products, might appear premature, and the responses from the nations might fairly have been awaited with deep interest, not unmixed with anxiety. The fear, if. it ever existed, that the invitation of this Colony would be imperfectly responded to, has passed away, and the display, of industry, and arts within these walls,. gathered from every quarter of the known world, is- one that any. country might be proud of. lho foresight, energy, and ability displayed in alLthe details of bhis important undertakings reflect the highest credit upon the community*" In complimenting the Commissioners on their "foresight," it is to be presumed the Marquis was complacently forgetful of the fact that the cost of the Exhibition is at loaat three times what it wag originally anticipated it would be. The Exhibition was- then declared open, and the fact* was communicated to Her Majesty by the despatch of tho following telegram :— "To the Queen, Buckingham Palace, "London.

"The Marquis of Normanby presents his humble duty to the Queen, and has much pleasure in informing Her Majesty that he haßJust opened in Her Majesty"'* name the Melbourne International Exhibition— the last of the series of great enterprises inaugurated by the Prince Consort. The attendance was very large and enthusiastic, and the buccess of the undertaking far oxceeds the most sanguine anticipations.

"NOBMANBX; "The Exhibition Building, Melbourne. " Oct. 1, 1880." The message was despatched at 10' minutes to 1 o'clock, Victorian time, and it reached its destiaation in 25- minutes, cr about 4 a.m. on the same day, English time. Her Majesty's reply is dated Balmoral, Oct. 1, 0.5 a.m., and is as follows :. —

"To hiß Excellency the Marquis of Normanby.

" I thank you most sincerely for your satisfactory telegram, and wish all possible success to tho Exhibition.

"The Queen." Her Majesty's reply was consequently despatched nearly four hours before the original message was eenfc, a paradox for which tho difference of time must be held responsible. A message was also sent to the Prince of Wales, who despatched a courteous reply. The " Hallelujah Cborus " was given with great effect at the conclusion of tho opening ceremony, and then the vice-regal party made a brief and formal inspection of the courts in the main avenue, the audience meanwhile remaining seated (excepting a few ill-behaved persons, whose curiosity overpowered their politeness), after which His Excellency and his guests quitted the building and returned to the Government House.